Ten Months of Sully
Leigh Ann- Jul 27, 2019
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 8, 2020
My perfectly priced prize,
For the first time in nine and a half months (technically a year and a half if you count the time you grew in my belly), I was away from you overnight. I wasn’t worried about your physical needs being met at all; you are on a little routine with bottles and food and playing, so I could leave detailed notes about those without a problem. It was knowing you would miss me while I was missing you that was so hard. You’ve been a little needy the last few days, and while I hate to see that look in your eye when you feel like I’m about to leave, I do very much love the snuggles you give me before I hand you off and when you come back to me. I can tell they make you feel safe, and knowing I can make you feel that means the world. As much as I didn’t want to, I knew you’d be fine. And you were. You played, ate, laughed, and carried on just fine.
So did I. I missed you so much while your dad and I were away. It wasn’t easy leaving, but we promised each other before you were born that we would always grow as a couple, dating and pursuing one another. This is done through daily life but also through date nights, so we booked a staycation. Normally, Dad and I traveled to a new state for our wedding anniversary. (You actually made it to several before you were born!) This year, it was different but in most ways, it felt more special. We could go anywhere in the world, but really, all we wanted was to be close to you. A trip to look at furniture for our new house, a movie, an event with friends, sleeping late, eating good food, and listening to our podcast: it was just what the two of us needed, but all along, there was a Sully sized hole in our hearts.
It was an ache that only you could fill. Even though we had fun, none of those events or memories could fill the void of missing you.
Buddy, it’s the same as Jesus. God designed you with eternity in mind. You were made to crave Jesus. My prayer for you is this: that the hole, the one that will always be there for Him, may only be filled with Jesus; that you won’t seek to fill it with anything of this world; that you will recognize the shape of that space and search continuously to fill it with the Holy Spirit. Literally, the only way that you will ever feel complete is to have a personal relationship with Jesus, and I am fighting for you in prayer to run to Him early!
Life is fuller with Him, fuller than it could be with anything else!
One Second Everyday
Food/Eating:
You are officially an eater! Baby Led Weaning is no longer an activity, but just what you do now. You eat three full meals plus an occasional snack if you grab at whatever I'm eating. Five bottles is still your normal as well, but that I think will change soon because one of your bottles you like out of habit for a nap. As of today, you've tried 71 foods, and this month, your favorites are hummus, grilled chicken, and butter beans. I've said it before, but meals with you are some of the sweetest times, where I feel God the most. Sitting around, talking about our day is a summary of all of my dreams come true.
Sleep:
This section might as well be called, "You've got it mastered!" Sleeping through the night is your new normal, and now, you have a nap routine as well! Two naps a day are between 9:00-9:30 and 1:00-1:30 with them lasting anywhere between thirty minutes to two hours. We have a pretty flexible routine now, so it's easier to plan our days. We've been able to go out to dinner, go on more walks, and just have more fun in general!
Size/New Developments:
-You have two teeth! We call one Chomper and the other Chomps Junior.
-As of July 18th, you weigh 20 pounds 3 ounces and are 27 inches long.
-You got your first haircut this week! So many people told me that I had to wait a year, but yours was out of control! It's got some curl to it, and it was going every direction in this humidity. You didn't particularly love getting your hair cut, but in your defense, you've been poked and prodded so much lately that you don't know what is what.
-You can dance in the cutest little wiggle now, and we love it! When music plays or we dance around you, you do a little shoulder dance and head bobble.
-Allergy testing: sweet baby, I'm so sorry for how much you've been poked and prodded lately. Skin pricks and blood tests are no fun, but we are desperately trying to figure out why you itch. We also don't want you to end up in the ER again, so we are working to find out what food allergies you have that might be dangerous. I'm so so sorry you have to go through it!
-Your personality has just come out in the best kind of way! You look to your dad when you want to show off something you're doing (like using your fork or cup), and you grab at me when you want to snuggle. You play the best when sitting on the couch with us, and Alexa's voice makes you laugh. Recently, you've figured out how to hold your cup and fork. You understand object permanence and go looking for something that's hidden; my favorite is when you peak around a corner to see us. You are learning how to wave hello, too! Outings are a blast because you love to talk to people, and Sheldon keeps you laughing, even though he won't play with you often. You are truly a gem,the brightest parts of our day!
Favorite Moments:
-We are officially building a new home! Your dad and I have prayed over land, and in the sweetest way, a lot that we had been eyeing became available: We took several family trips out to this area, and I just felt prompted to pray right then and there, on that land that almost belonged to someone else. After getting back in the truck, I made a call and asked that we be considered if the current deal fell through. Three days later, we got a call, and the process began! They start clearing soon, and we should be in the house by the end of the year. We took one more trip out there, took a family picture, and said a prayer of thanksgiving. You've been a real trooper through our multiple meetings about the house; I can't wait for you to see your new playroom!
-Serve Day at church was July 13th, and I stayed teary through the entire thing. Your dad was really passionate about being able to help with outdoor yard work, something he is so great at, so he found us a project at a school. The night before, you and I were on our way home from Grandma and Granddaddy's, Dad loaded up the truck with a weedeater, blower, gloves, rakes, and whatever else he had in the shed. On Saturday, we got to the Oaks School early, and the leader put your dad in charge of grounds. It was just the best watching you watch him, and even though you don't know it now, he's the best example of a man for you that I could ever ask. You and I worked in a classroom decorating for a teacher. How sweet God was to let me have that chance since I don't have my own classroom this year! You and I had to leave early because you got sleepy, so we snuggled for a nap and then went out to get a book since you were so great!
-You and I spent some time with my grandparents this month. We just went for the day, and it was the day your tooth broke through, so you were fussy, but I'm glad we got to see everybody!
-You also went swimming for the first time! On July 4th, Mom's friend, Mrs. Heather invited us all to swim with them. Since your skin was doing better, we went. You loved it! The weather only let you play for about 15 minutes, but it made me excited for the future. You love water! As a bonus, you and Dad willingly let me buy us all matching Old Navy American flag shirts!
Sweet love, as you go through life, you will fill your time with friends, family, work, and your passions. Through it all, you will feel one of two ways: whole, as if that person or thing is all you need, or empty, as if that person or thing just isn't quite what you are looking for. Listen to that; pay attention to the feeling. While yes, I do want you to be happy in your life, know that, at some point, all Earthly things will fail you. And again, it's not fun to think about, but parts of your life will always leave you wanting more. Whether you feel full or empty of things of this world, know that no person or thing except for Jesus can ever fully satisfy you. May you recognize the place where He should be, and work tirelessly to fill your heart with Him.
Love,
Mom
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